Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic returns to Austin out at Circuit of the Americas.
Photo by Shelley Neuman

The Fourth of July means food, fireworks and fun. Our picks for the top Independence Day events feature at least one — if not all three! — of the must-have components. For a full list of happenings, check out our events calendar.

Fourth of July Open House at Rare Trends
Shop boutique pieces at Rare Trends while sipping on drinks from Adelbert's Brewery and Austin Cocktails during this special Independence Day event. Thursday, July 2 at 2 pm

Little Woodrow's Independence Weekend Celebration
Head out to Little Woodrow's Southpark Meadows location for a free Fourth of July affair with music from Dirty Black Flannel, Woodrow's annual Pizza Slice Slamming Contest, cool drink specials and more. Bonus: All of the festivities take place during the final round of turtle racing (a fave of Woodrow's patrons).Friday, July 3 at 7:30 pm

Independence Day at the Drive-In
Nothing says freedom quite like fighting off an alien invasion, so take in a screening of Independence Day at the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in. On Saturday, guests will be treated to a high-definition digital display of fireworks. Tickets range from $5-$25.Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 at 9 pm

4th of July Celebration & Parade
Start off your Fourth of July early with a celebratory parade beginning at 10 am at the Cedar Park Center. Following that, there will a free shindig at Elizabeth Milburn Park, with fireworks at 9:15 pm.Saturday, July 4 at 10 am

Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival
You're invited to a free festival at the Hill Country Galleria with art vendors, delicious food, carnival rides and live music from some Austin faves. Following all of the festivities will be an amazing fireworks display.
Saturday, July 4 at 4 pm

4th of July Party at Hotel Vegas
Hotel Vegas invites you to two big events: a pool party with live music and a dunking booth and a crawfish boil with hot dogs and New Orleans Bounce. The cost is $5 for either party or $10 for an all-access pass.Saturday, July 4 at 6 pm

Round Rock Express vs. Nashville Sounds
What could be more American than watching a baseball game on Independence Day? The Round Rock Express take on the Nashville Sounds at Dell Diamond. Bonus: There will be an awesome display of fireworks over the stadium. Tickets range from $7-$14.Saturday, July 4 at 7:05 pm

Bob Schneider's 4th of July Bash
Dress in your best red, white and blue for Bob Schneider's annual show at Nutty Brown Cafe. In addition to fireworks, you can also catch opening acts Wink Burcham and The Digital Wild. Tickets start at just $17.Saturday, July 4 at 7:30 pm

The Highball presents "Dance Party: Happy Birthday, America!"
The Highball has curated a sweet playlist with patriotic(ish) music followed by live tunes from Magnifico. Plus, you can get an amazing view of the downtown skyline and fireworks show from the top of the parking garage.Saturday, July 4 at 10 pm

IndepenDANCEParty Cruise
Close out the long weekend with a trifecta of fun: food, drinks and dancing! All proceeds from this party go towards C5 Texas. Tickets range from $50-$75.Sunday, July 5 at 1 pm